Colin Farrell’s Dublin Marathon: Gardaí, Charity, and a Dash of Star Power
Well, if there’s one way to make a marathon a little more exciting, it’s by adding a sprinkle of Hollywood glam! Colin Farrell, the charming lad from Hollywood, decided he couldn’t just run the Dublin Marathon like everyone else—oh no! He had to add a few Gardaí to the mix, because who needs personal security when you’ve got standing ovations running alongside you?
Four brave members of the Garda National Technical Bureau traded their uniforms for blue running vests to assist good old Colin with his charity run. Detective Gardaí Ian Redican, Barry Duggan, Ernie Frazer, and Detective Sergeant Tom Power apparently had more pressing issues at hand than chasing down baddies—like making sure Colin didn’t misplace his running shoes! And what a noble quest it was; helping raise almost €790,000 for Debra Ireland, which supports individuals living with the rare and painful skin condition known as Epidermolysis Bullosa or ‘Butterfly Skin’. Talk about a worthy cause!
Now, you’d think it’d be easy for the Gardaí to say ‘sure, Colin, we’ve got your back’ over a cup of tea. But, as Det Gda Redican revealed, it was a “big ask” to get the runners, who had been training hard for the marathon, to rather run a bespectacled star’s race. Imagine swapping your personal best for a “You shall not pass” bubble of security! Not every day that happens, eh?
Speaking of security measures, one can only applaud the foresight of the gardaí. With Colin’s celebrity status, they were prepared for enthusiastic fans mistaking their chances for a selfie moment as a running lane moment. Because let’s be honest, one false move and suddenly it’s “Dude, where’s my marathon?” With the iron hand of the law literally flanking him, Colin felt like he had a secret service at the Dublin Marathon!
And the best part? Colin, bless him, was described as a “genuine guy” who actually took the time to chat with his Garda companions during the race. Talk about a down-to-earth superstar! He even quizzed them about how his legs felt—classic Colin, asking the Garda for advice while he zips through the marathon like it’s a leisurely jog in the park. It’s like watching a human version of a Pokémon asking for advice on evolving—“Is my leg tight? Should I put a Pokéball on it?”
The Garda team took their job very seriously—maintaining a bubble of safety for the star while offering advice like seasoned marathons pros. “It was all normal,” they assured Colin as he soldiered on, probably wondering if he was competing or hosting a fun run for the community. In the end, they all crossed the finish line with shiny medals, and the day went off without a hitch. A happy ending, which left Colin and his Garda pals limping on Monday morning—because let’s face it, no one runs 26.2 miles without some agony!
A marvelous example of community spirit, a touch of glamour, and a massive push for a charitable cause. Here’s hoping Colin decides to run again next year—perhaps with a few less Garda but twice the shenanigans! After all, you need a pint after all that effort, right?
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and support, four dedicated members of the Garda National Technical Bureau stepped up to accompany Hollywood actor Colin Farrell during the recent Dublin Marathon on Sunday.
Detective Gardaí Ian Redican, Barry Duggan, Ernie Frazer, and Detective Sergeant Tom Power exchanged their official uniforms for vibrant blue running vests, effectively blending their roles as both marathon participants and guardians for the celebrated film star.
Joining Farrell on this remarkable journey not only meant raising almost €790,000 for Debra Ireland—an organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), also known as ‘Butterfly Skin’—but it also highlighted the strong community bond exhibited in such charity events.
As the marathon progressed, Farrell demonstrated unwavering support for his close friend Emma Fogarty by pushing her wheelchair for the final four kilometers, a poignant gesture symbolizing the ongoing struggles she has faced for every decade of her battle with this painful condition.
“I got a phone call in the lead up to the marathon from Inspector Liam White in the Dublin Traffic Division, asking if any of the Garda Athletic Club, who were already planning to run, would be interested in joining Colin,” recalled Det Gda Redican, who typically provides training guidance for fellow club members.
“Every year, about 100 to 150 gardaí participate in the Dublin city Marathon, and it was a significant request to convince runners, who had been committed to their own training for six months, to defer their ambitions for someone else’s cause.”
“I’ve completed 23 marathons, so I wasn’t aiming for a personal best time this year, and my colleagues Barry, Ernie, and Tom quickly agreed to lend their support,” Redican shared.
The team of gardaí, volunteering their time selflessly, took on the role of ensuring Farrell’s safety throughout the marathon. Their primary concern was to prevent potential disruptions from enthusiastic fans eager for selfies or autographs that could inadvertently cause injury.
“While everyone’s intentions are good, and they wouldn’t want to create chaos, Colin’s immense popularity means he draws considerable attention. The Irish public adores him. However, sometimes the excitement can lead to oversight, and we would have felt a sense of disappointment if his charity endeavor encountered obstacles,” Det Gda Redican explained.
Despite the many distractions, Redican described Farrell as a genuinely down-to-earth individual who took the time to acknowledge the numerous supporters cheering him on during the run.
“He seemed really taken aback by the entire experience, as he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. He frequently asked for our insights during the race regarding how he was feeling, especially when fatigue set in, and we reassured him that it was all part of the process,” Redican added.
“Being seasoned runners, we were quite familiar with the course. Our aim was to create a secure environment for him to race while offering him needed guidance.”
“We all received medals, including Colin, and everything unfolded seamlessly. We feel a profound sense of satisfaction having contributed to Debra Ireland that day. I’d wager he, like the rest of us, felt the toll of the marathon by Monday,” Redican concluded.
